Health situation in the oil-producing Melut, Upper Nile, is worsening, says the county commissioner.

Commissioner Akuoch Teng said the condition of the communities residing in the oil field area is in need of urgent attention.

He reported cases of birth defects and skin problems.

“Some women are getting an abortion,” he said.

“We found that two women gave birth: one lady gave birth to a child without eye, the other, a child without leg.

“There are other cases that are appearing like inching of the body, blindness and other problems.”

Mister Akuoch also said the oil exploration has caused a lot of damage to the environment due to poor management of the oil waste generated during oil extraction.

He appealed to the government and oil companies to improve health situation of the people residing near the oil fields, and help shift the communities to the safer locations.